To strengthen ties with top universities in Spain and Portugal, a delegation from China University of Petroleum (CUP), led by Vice President Bao Zhidong, visited several institutions from October 6 to 13. The delegation visited the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Polytechnic University of Madrid, and Lisbon Higher Technical Institute. The delegation included representatives from CUP’s School of Geosciences, Academic Affairs Office, and the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.

At the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the delegation met with Vice President of International Affairs Jose Francisco Monserrat del Rio, Director of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ) Jose Manuel Serra, and renowned scholar Avelino Corma, a member of the Spanish Royal Society and foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Both universities shared insights into their histories and recent research achievements, signed a cooperation agreement, and discussed collaborative opportunities in chemical engineering. The CUP delegation also toured several ITQ laboratories.

At the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Bao Zhidong and his team were welcomed by Climent Molins, Vice President for Research and Innovation, Esther Real, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering, along with associate deans and faculty members. Both sides had in-depth discussions on student exchange programs, Spanish language initiatives, and collaboration in marine engineering, reaching preliminary agreements on these initiatives.

At the Polytechnic University of Madrid, CUP representatives met with Vice President for International Affairs Luis Ricote, Dean of the School of Mines and Energy Francisco Javier Elorza, and Xavier Ferre, the Rector’s Representative for Asian Affairs. The meeting revisited the history of collaboration between the two universities and explored future opportunities, including student exchanges, joint research projects, and the establishment of a shared laboratory. Plans were set to formalize a cooperation agreement in the near future.

In Portugal, the delegation met with Rogério Colaço, President of the Lisbon Higher Technical Institute, and attended the signing and unveiling of a memorandum for the establishment of the Sino-Portuguese Joint Research Institute for Climate and Energy. The CUP team engaged in further discussions with the School of Minerals and Energy, CERENA Research Institute, and the International Cooperation Office, updating them on the activities of the World Energy University Alliance and agreeing on potential areas of collaboration, including a summer school and expanded student exchanges. The delegation also toured the key laboratory at the School of Minerals and Energy.

During their visit, the CUP delegation also connected with alumni and Chinese students studying in Spain and Portugal, sharing updates on CUP’s talent recruitment initiatives.